Our promotion of locally-sourced produce is supported at the procurement level by District Nutrition Services and the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network, with additional offerings grown by students at The Bethel Farm.
Educational materials are provided to inform students and families in each school throughout the district about the nutritional, environmental and social benefits of eating locally.
In partnership with Oregon State University Extension's Food Hero nutrition education program, Kalapuya students learn to cook balanced meals using seasonal Bethel Farm produce.
Farm interns process a number of products for use in school kitchens, such as pesto and jam, and these items are promoted when used in the cafeteria throughout the school year. Bethel Farm Interns also have the opportunity throughout the summer season to learn about different preserving and preparation methods for bulk farm-grown produce.